Traveling in ancient Palestine was very harsh, as most of the pilgrims traveled on foot, and only the rich owned animals. Then the roads were subject to various dangers such as bandits and predators, as well as thirst and hunger. But some pilgrims were not satisfied with facing these dangers and preferred to fast during their pilgrimage for a period of between 15 and 20 days, and some of them were sharpening, and others did not carry with them only a little bread and vegetables and a small amount of money. When they reached the place of worship, they offered offerings and spent the night in prayer.

The Church has abandoned all the ranks or the semi-ranks that were followed in the past in the pilgrimage, as its emphasis is on the spiritual journey of the believer. However, it is noticed that many Christians who go to the shrines of saints or famous churches, are keen to touch the stones of the place, and kiss the relics displayed, and some of them even wipe their eyes with dirt or put holy oil on their bodies, and drink from the water of the place. There are also those who go to the place to baptize their children. Despite all this, we must not forget the basis of the pilgrimage, which Pope Francis expressed by saying: “The pilgrimage is to show and live the path of mercy.”